"Those men look like Tullys, don't they?" Someone spotted their house sigil and began whispering.
"The one at the front must be the heir to the Riverlands, Edmure Tully. I heard His Majesty the Dragonlord summoned them to King's Landing."
"Could they have been summoned as hostages? I seem to remember there being bad blood between House Tully and House Targaryen."
"Shh, keep your voice down. Don't let them hear you."
Edmure heard the whispers around him. Already worried about his impending audience with Viserys Targaryen, he lowered his head, unable to meet those watching eyes.
Brynden the Blackfish, on the other hand, remained perfectly at ease.
Their journey went unhindered until they reached the square before the Red Keep, where they saw the Targaryen Three-Headed Fire Dragon Banners fluttering atop its walls.
At the entrance to the Red Keep, two ranks of elite Unsullied soldiers stood ramrod straight, their spears and spiked helmets gleaming coldly in the sunlight.
Varys stood at the head of the welcoming party by the gates, wearing his customary, faultless smile.
"Lord Edmure, thank you for making the journey." He bowed slightly and said respectfully, "His Majesty Viserys is already waiting for you in the reception hall."
Seeing Varys step forward to greet him, Edmure hurriedly dismounted. The Blackfish and the others followed suit.
"Lord Varys." Edmure greeted him first, then forced a few words out through his dry throat. "What important matter has His Majesty Viserys summoned me to King's Landing for?"
Brynden gently patted Edmure's shoulder, signaling him to remain calm, then turned to Varys. "Lord Varys, sorry for the trouble of having you guide us. House Tully has come at His Majesty's summons, and we shall of course obey whatever commands His Majesty Viserys gives us."
"Lord Brynden, it has been a